Titanium dioxide is predominantly used as a pigment in products such as paints, coatings, plastics, food, cosmetics, and paper. The ability of TiO2 to scatter light and provide a white color makes it an essential ingredient in achieving high-quality finishes in these applications. However, the production of titanium dioxide can be complex and costly, given that it involves raw materials such as ilmenite and rutile, as well as advanced processing technologies. Manufacturers are continuously striving to optimize costs without compromising quality, making the search for affordable suppliers a top priority for many businesses.

Titanium dioxide prices climbed significantly in the European region during Q2 2021, owing to strong demand from the downstream sector. Major global suppliers indicated that they have seen a surge in its demand for primarily from Europe and Asia, despite a global supply constraint. Furthermore, a global player raised titanium dioxide costs in Europe by 200 USD /MT this quarter, effective Q3 2021.

While loose titanium dioxide presents a problem, titanium dioxide within sunscreen formulations presents a much safer option than conventional sunscreen chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. However, titanium dioxide may become dangerous when it is nanoparticle size. Generally, nanoparticles can be 1000 times smaller than the width of a human hair. Despite nanoparticles becoming increasingly common across industries, they have not been properly assessed for human or environmental health effects, nor are they adequately regulated. Researchers don’t quite understand the impacts nanoparticles could have on human health and the environment. However, because of their infinitesimally small size, nanoparticles may be more chemically reactive and therefore more bioavailable, and may behave differently than larger particles of the same substance; these characteristics may lead to potential damage in the human body or ecosystem.

For the Fourth Quarter of 2021

For his part, Kaminski argues most of the studies have been in animals, and any effects found were minuscule. He and his team also contested some of the findings in a 2019 study that found no evidence of increased inflammation or changes in the GI tract.

The ingredient in question? Titanium dioxide.

The titanium dioxide market fluctuated in the first two quarters of 2023. These pricing patterns resulted from poor demand and reduced intakes from the downstream industries. Amid the slow demand, the manufacturers were forced to reduce their outputs. With rising inflation rates, production cuts gradually increased. Given the economic downturn, the labor strikes further affected the market dynamics, thereby exerting pressure on the pricing fundamentals.

Infrared spectra were performed (from 400 to 4000 cm⁻¹) in vitamins@P25TiO₂NPs samples and the vitamins alone as controls, employing a Nicolet AVATAR 360 Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer.

One of the most common worries about titanium dioxide is that it could be a cancer-causing agent. The link between cancer and titanium dioxide traces back to a 1985 study where rats were exposed to high levels of titanium dioxide for two years, causing lung cancer. However, not all experts are convinced by this study.

The precipitation of titanium dioxide involves the reaction of titanium sulfate with an alkaline solution to form titanium hydroxide, which is then calcined to produce titanium dioxide. The precipitation process is crucial for achieving the desired particle size distribution, crystallinity, and purity of the final product.

In 2019, EFSA published a statement on the review of the risk related to the exposure to food additive titanium dioxide (E171) performed by the French Agency for Food, Environment and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES). In its statement, EFSA highlighted that the ANSES opinion reiterated the uncertainties and data gaps previously identified by EFSA and did not present findings that invalidated the Authority’s previous conclusions on the safety of titanium dioxide.

Opportunities

In their role as risk managers, the European Commission and Member States will now reflect on EFSA’s scientific advice and decide upon any appropriate regulatory measures or advice for consumers.